Via Hardball Talk, my home town team, the Bridgeport Bluefish, are going to play a game this summer under unusual rules:
Now the Atlantic League has come up with the epitome of a meaningless game. The Bridgeport Bluefish and the Long Island Ducks will play an August exhibition game implementing a couple of rule changes meant to push the envelope in the “pace of play” debate:
- A batter will be called out for a two-strike foul ball.
- A batter will be given a walk for three balls rather than four.
Neither post particularly likes the idea. I think it’s worth a try. It very well may focus the batter and pitcher more on throwing strikes. It almost forces the batter to choke up with two strikes, his he really needs to make good contact, not just any contact. It’s worth a try in a few games, I would think.